Tim Dolan (2006-present) director, master of arts in theology and Whitworth Institute for Clergy and Lay Leadership Development

It is hard to believe that I have now been at Whitworth for more than 10 years. I continue to appreciate being part of the theology department at Whitworth University. In addition to teaching a biblical literature course for the department each semester (Life and Teachings of Jesus), I also teach regularly for the evening Continuing Studies Program (Life and Teachings of Jesus and/or New Testament). I have also been directing our M.A. in theology program. Our first cohort of 18 students just finished the first year of the program. We have been very pleased with the quality and experience of this group of students. The feedback from the students about the program has been very positive. A second cohort of 18 students joins the program this summer, for a total of 36 students.

The M.A. in theology program consists of 12 courses (eight core courses plus four electives) and takes about 27 months to complete. The program is designed to develop deeply committed, spiritually disciplined visionary leaders for the church and society. It focuses not only on the classical biblical and theological disciplines, but also on practical ministry development and spiritual formation. Along with directing the program, I taught one of the core courses (Leadership in the Christian Community) and hope to teach an elective course in pastoral theology this next year.

In addition to my work with the M.A. in theology, I continue to direct the Institute for Clergy and Lay Leadership Development through the Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning. This past year we offered several programs for clergy and laity through the center, including a Certificate in Lay Ministry, a Certificate in Teaching the Bible, a Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry, and a Pastors' Reading Group. We currently have 26 students registered for the diploma, which is our largest group ever. I very much enjoy interacting with pastors and laypersons from congregations all over the Inland Northwest and beyond.

On the home front, my oldest son Andrew, who graduated from Whitworth three years ago with a degree in business, still works as director of ticket sales for the Spokane Shock (arena football league). My daughter, Rachael, graduated from Whitworth last year with a degree in psychology and is still not sure what her future plans are yet (except working at Starbucks!). One thing she does hope to do is more travel. My youngest son Peter also attends Whitworth and just finished up his sophomore year. He has been selected to serve as a resident assistant next year in Arend Hall. Debbie, my wife, continues her work as the interim director of operations for Spokane County Head Start.